AAMI Manual Guides Sterile Processing Renovations

A new manual from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) can help healthcare facilities prepare for upcoming construction and renovation projects, as well as plan for equipment purchases, testing and implementation.

"Building for the Future: Construction and Renovation of Sterile Processing Facilities" includes practical resources and tips to explain the design process, support collaborative planning, and help sterile processing departments (SPDs).

Specifically, the 144-page book includes information on:
- Trends affecting design
- The critical components of the planning process for new construction
- The management of the design process
- Tools and methods for collaborative planning and accurate data collection
- Key operational issues related to renovation projects

The manual also has a section on the best mix of reprocessing equipment for a new construction project, critical infection prevention and control planning for construction environments, and how to maintain reprocessing activities during renovations.

Readers will also find a number of figures and tables, such as an example of a time study for sterile processing, a sample calendar for moving to a new SPD, an infection control risk assessment matrix of precautions for construction and renovation, and an equipment orientation checklist. There is also an extensive list of sources for additional information.

Anyone who is contemplating an SPD renovation or new construction will find this book to be a comprehensive reference in understanding the design process, the role of team members, the type of data that will be needed, and the need to ensure future flexibility for use of the SPD space, explains Cynthia Hubbard, RN, an independent nurse consultant and author of the publication. Hubbard has managed a number of construction and renovation processing projects.

The manual lists for $195, but costs $115 for AAMI members. AAMI has three webinars tied to the manual, the first of which took place Jan. 24. The second webinar takes place Feb. 26, and will focus on renovation. The third webinar is scheduled for March 27, and will focus on equipment and staff.
 
Source: AAMI